Announcement: Complete Streets Ordinance and Director
Published on June 23, 2025
Montclair Township adopts “Complete Streets” Policy and hires Complete Streets Director to enhance community safety and accessibility
Montclair, NJ, June 23, 2025 – Montclair announces today the hiring of Laura Torchio, AICP, as the newly established position of Complete Streets Director. Ms. Torchio is a certified planner who specializes in active transportation, healthy communities, and placemaking, and has previously served as Chair of the Montclair Vision Zero Task Force. The hiring of the Complete Streets Director follows the passing of an ordinance in May that established a Complete Streets Policy and a Complete Streets oversight board.
“Complete Streets” is an approach to transportation design that considers the safety, mobility, and accessibility of all road users, not just motor vehicles. Included in the ordinance is the creation of the Complete Streets Director and Oversight Board, which will consist of nine members: up to five municipal staff, a member of the Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau, up to three governing body members, and two members of the public with experience in “people-first” transportation planning or advocacy.
A Complete Streets approach to roadway design can include features such as:
- Improved pedestrian infrastructure like safer crosswalks, ADA-compliant accessibility upgrades, and sidewalk enhancements
- Cyclist-friendly measures like bike lanes, shared-use paths, and improved signage
- Traffic calming initiatives like delineators, bollards, road striping, and lower speed limits
The work of the Montclair Vision Zero task force will continue in the form of the Complete Streets policy, director, and oversight board. Vision Zero is a national campaign and movement supporting the idea that zero is the only acceptable number of deaths or serious injuries on our roadways. A Complete Streets policy and framework is the method to achieve that goal.
Working through the Task Force, since 2024, the Township has installed 5 new 4-way stop signs, begun deploying reflective delineators and painted curb extensions at high-priority intersections, and successfully advocated for the lowering of speed limits on all municipal and county roads to 25 mph (20 mph in school zones). These steps are just the beginning of establishing a systematic, pro-active, data-driven approach to street safety.
“I am thrilled to bring my professional expertise to the Township and continue my role advocating for street safety by taking on the role of Complete Streets Director for Montclair Township. The adoption of a Complete Streets Policy underscores our commitment to making Montclair a community where everyone, regardless of their mode of travel, feels safe and welcome on our streets. I look forward to working with the Mayor & Council, municipal staff, and residents to bring this vision to life”.
To read the full ordinance (O-25-13) establishing the Complete Streets policy, click here.